One of Jamaica’s cultural hot spots during the 1970s and 1980s, Papine in St Andrew was home to a large Rastafarian commune and had an active dancehall scene that attracted budding artistes like Moses I.

On January 4, the veteran singjay returns to his hometown with the Papine Showtime concert, which also features acts from border communities such as August Town and Elletson Flats.

“It’s a blessing to go back inna mi hometown wid di bredrin dem an’ energise a session wid artiste from different, different communities. Wi jus’ a get dem involved ‘cause a wi hometown an’ wi waan bring back a unity, an dis show can do dat,” Moses I told Observer Online.

Best known for the 1998 hit single Crazy Look (with Capleton), he remembers following sound systems like African Star and Jah Love when they played in Papine, August Town, Elletson Flats, Tavern and Gordon Town. Brigadier Jerry, Tiger, Anthony Malvo and Hopeton Lindo were some of the artistes who worked on those ‘sounds’.

Moses I, who lives in South Florida, is among the performers for Papine Showtime at 5 Gordon Town Road, along with Israel Voice, Jah Fiery, Presidential, Jah Bless, Joseph I and Comanche. For the Rastafarian artiste, it is a sign of things to come.

“Dis is a start to what wi want to do for di community, to bring back a oneness,” said Moses I.

During the 1970s, Papine/August Town attracted academics, musicians and sports personalities including Peter Phillips (future government minister), Ilawi (Jah Love selector) and Delgado Taylor (Calabar Manning Cup goalkeeper).

In recent years, those areas have been beset by bouts of gang violence.

– Howard Campbell